Bentley‘s upcoming SUV will look nothing like the XP 9F concept it unveiled at last year’s Geneva Motorshow, according to the luxury car company’s director of sales.
Kevin Rose, Bentley’s director of sales and marketing, promised the brand’s clients that the SUV would look nothing like its current SUV concept vehicle, and in response to claims that the proposed car is to be called The Falcon replied that if he has “anything to do with it won’t be called the Falcon.”
The car, expected to go into production – possibly in Eastern Europe – in 2015-2016 will be priced to compete with the recently launched Range Rover.
A top-of-the-range Range Rover, with all available optional extras can cost up to 146.000 Euro (£125,000), (US$189,000) and the Bentley is expected to represent the same value but with more exclusivity.
The Bentley XP 9F concept features a modified version of the Continental‘s 6.0 liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine. However, hybrid and V8 designs are also being considered for future production.
The big SUV rides on massive 23-inch wheels and tires and features a panoramic glass roof, twin elliptical exhaust pipes and a split two-piece tailgate.
The 4+1 cabin is trimmed in both soft-touch and saddle leather, wood veneers and polished aluminum, bronze and gunmetal.
Bentley also has combined traditional analog dials with reconfigurable “virtual” instrumentation and advanced features such as 3D navigation.
The rear-seat occupants are treated to such amenities as a fold-down keyboard and full Internet connectivity via an iPad, a powered footrest, a drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies, as well as a rear armrest that lifts to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses.
